Is Maaaco about the modern equivalent these days? The husband of a coworker was in auto body and his theory was Maaco was fine if you did all the prep work yourself and all thet had to do was paint.
I remember back maybe 30 years ago on the Tonight Show. Carson was talking about how windy it was. "It was so windy I saw a guy chasing his Earl Sheib paint job."
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Thank you roadburnner and verdugo . Your advice is much appreciated.
For the cost of 4 RFT and rims, changing etc I am tempted to buy a used Suburu and use it in the winter. However, I am considering your advice very carefully.
richard64 wrote : " Your lug nut postings brought back another memory. Many years ago my father taught me to loosen each lug nut slightly before taking any of them off. I never really knew why. Since you are a physics expert and I am an English prof, maybe you know why. I never questioned my father when it came to cars; I just followed his orders. If you questioned him, he figured that you doubted his advice. I learned early on that it was better to just follow his instructions. As my mother used to say, "Don't antagonize your father. Do what he says and list your complaints with me." She knew how to keep the peace at home. " A truly touching story sir. Thank you. Mom always did know best as well as like me better, knew you would get the reference. I have this fondness for American automobiles from the late '40's , early '50's . Never owned one but would like to someday have the privledge. Aircraft carrier ahoy!
I was also thinking something like that subaru might be a good idea. I am thinking about doing something like that myself. I could probably get by with an old fwd Kia or Hyundai for the snowy days.
I have this fondness for American automobiles from the late '40's , early '50's
Wow, talk about memories. The interior (upholstery) of those cars had a unique smell to them. Any time I happen upon one and get inside, that smell makes all sorts of memories come flooding back.
I read once that the sense of smell is extremely powerful in triggering old memories and I believe it to be true. Remember how that elementary school cafeteria smelled?
houdini1 wrote : " read once that the sense of smell is extremely powerful in triggering old memories and I believe it to be true. Remember how that elementary school cafeteria smelled? " Egad, do I ever. Friday, fish sticks with tater tots and salad. You ate, you ingested, you regretted . Respecting the insight of Adam Sandler.
For the cost of 4 RFT and rims, changing etc I am tempted to buy a used Suburu and use it in the winter.
I just checked on tirerack.com and you can get 4 - 16x7.5" Sport Edition wheels and 4 Blizzak LM-22 run flat winter tires for less than $1,200 including the tire pressure sensors installed - mounted and balanced.
The beauty of this set-up is you can install them in less than 45 minutes. When you are done with the car you can sell the wheels and, if still good, the tires. Your summer rubber lasts much longer that way too.
I would bet it is a wash, price wise.
And to second the motion, use winter tires on all 4 wheels. You have to stop and corner too, not just go.
The only time I couldn't drive my E46 in the winter was when I started plowing snow.
I just checked on tirerack.com and you can get 4 - 16x7.5" Sport Edition wheels and 4 Blizzak LM-22 run flat winter tires for less than $1,200 including the tire pressure sensors installed - mounted and balanced
I am not sure I can get close to that price in Canada, but I do agree, for $1200 that would be a very sensible plan. But, there are some other problems too, getting 4 tires home, storing them. Dealer wants $200 a season for storage, thats $400 a year. Dealer wants $2600 for 4 snows with alloy wheels. I would do your plan if I could ......but I might have to resort to plan B;
We are away all of February. Where I am we only get about 4 or 5 major snow falls in a year. Work is 20 minutes away and most days I can work from home if necessary. If I really have to go somewhere I'll use my wife's all wheel drive car. If I could get 4 wheels and tires for $1200 and get them home I would do it, don't even have to think about it. I like the fact regular tires will last longer so the real cost is much less than $1200. Why didn't I just get an Impala or Honda????
Lemme throw in a little I know about 4 snow tires on a rear wheel drive versus just two on the rear only. After 31 years driving Ford and Chevy rear wheelers on duty, logging approx. 300K during NE Ohio winters in a heavy snow belt, average 80-90 inches snow a winter, I really vouch for 4 snow tires.
Now I have no idea whether this applies to front wheel drivers, but for rear wheel vehicles, it is absolutely a wonderful application. really works well and much more control than rear only, steering much improved.
To you, 604doc, and cdnpinhead: Thanks for the explanations on why we loosen the lug nuts first. After 50 years, I finally have that question answered. Knowing my father, I can understand why he offered very little info on such matters. He believed in the KISS principle---especially in my case. :P While I was never mechanically inclined, he did show me everything about car maintenance. It did pay off at times. The best thing that he taught me was to love cars, take care of them, and appreciate what I had. I had a job in high school washing cars---all by hand back then. Even today, I can really detail my cars.
kyfdx.....j...ad was simple. Went in the paper yesterday. Don't remember the exact verbiage I put in, but it was simple and went something like this....
" '96 Merc Gran Marquis LS, 35K original 1 owner miles, loaded, needs nothing, $4,995"
That's it! Got the clean CARFAX report taped in the window with the 4 sale sign, along with the original MSRP sticker.
Surprisingly, my phone's been ringing off the hook. Have had a bunch of tire kickers. No sale, YET! But, I suspect with the amount of activity, it should be gone by the weekend.
That tells me I've got it priced right.
I've done nothing to the car except get a quick detail (no under hood steam clean, just washed, cheapo wax job, etc).
Aside from the one guy who wanted to write a personal check for it, and then take the car before the check clears, here are some of the more memorable encounters with people I've had....
"There's a paint chip on the trunk lid (actually, you have to look real close to see it, courtesy of the errant golf ball...about the size of a dime, and it's a dimple, not a chip). It'll cost me $500 to get that fixed".
GG-"It's a 12 year old car. I wouldn't even bother getting it fixed".
"The power mirrors don't work".
GG-"Sir, that's because you're trying to adjust the mirrors with the power seat adjustment".
"It's dirty under the hood. The engine must need work".
GG-(truth told, for a 12 year old car, under the hood it's pretty clean). "M'am, that's because it's a 12 year old car. If you want, I'll have the engine bay steamed, it will be pretty under there. I wouldn't have any hesitation taking this car to CA and back with no issues."
"There are creases in the leather driver's seat".
GG-"It's a 12 year old car. The leather isn't split."
"The seats are too hard, too soft".
GG-(putting my sales hat on). "It's got power lumbar support. Adjust it to your liking".
"It feels big".
GG-"That's because it is big".
"What's the warranty?"
GG-"No warranty. Sold as is, where is. It's a 12 year old car."
"I can buy a brand new one for $18,000."
GG-"This one isn't brand new. And, it doesn't cost $18,000."
I could go on and on. Mostly older people looking at it....retirees. Got a call from a dealership about it. But, they were thinking I'm distressed. They were looking to buy it for cheap.
KYFDX....phone number listed is clearly a "Cincy" area code, but I'd say 1/2 the callers have been from KY. One older couple who came up from KY to look at it actually made an offer that I considered "close enough". They gave me $500 to hold the car for them so they could make arrangements to get the car home. Then, they called, reneged on the deal when they found out that there's some sort of "tax" on the tags that is a percentage of the value of the car, instead of a flat tag fee (like in OH). I don't know what that figure is, but I can't imagine it's more than a hundred or two.
No harm, no foul. I told them they could come to get their $500 back today. Negotiating ploy?
Since you would sell your explorer I see you have not given up on the dream ! Local paper has an ad for 2008 crown vic's, low mileage program cars with leather, etc. going for $10,900 ! Heck, I'm tempted myself.
It is very true that certain smells bring back memories. The interior smell of a new pickup truck reminds me of my dad's new pickup when I was only six. Actually, they smelled better back then. I was in school and college cafeterias for over sixty years. That smell NEVER changes. The woolen and leather interiors of cars from the late '40's and early '50's had distinct smells. After all of these years, I can still remember them.
When I taught advanced psychology, I gave my students smell, taste, and hearing tests while they were blindfolded. They consistently did better on the smell tests. Most of the time, the smells were related to childhood memories.
Wow!!! $10,900 for the '08 program car is a steal. At that price, I would just pay cash and keep my Explorer. Let's see now. If I drove from North Carolina to Kansas....
May I suggest looking on Craigslist or eBay. On of the other posters suggested selling them when you are done with them, so why not look for someone who IS done with them. I just won a set of 4 Bridgestone Blizzaks on steel rims w/ hub caps for an amazing $44! The tires look barely worn. I'm picking them up this weekend so I'll update on the exact condition. These are for an older Volvo S70 that is my normal commuter car.
Even though I have a 4x4 pickup for commuting in the snow, for this money, it was a no-brainer.
Cheap paint is cheap paint. It doesn't matter how well you prep the car, the paint cannot endure. But these cheapo shops are great if you have an old pickup or old beater. But if you put a Maaco paint job on a newer car of any real value you've just about ruined it IMO.
Quality paint and prep materials alone for a nice paint job would cost more than an entire Maaco paint job. What does that tell you?
Then, they called, reneged on the deal when they found out that there's some sort of "tax" on the tags that is a percentage of the value of the car, instead of a flat tag fee (like in OH).
We pay property tax on cars... Not sure how this could be a surprise, if they've ever owned a car in Kentucky.. It is charged at the time you renew your registration, on any car that you owned on January 1st of that year. So, they don't have to pay it at the time of registration.. just the sales tax at that time.
I think my local tax works out to about 1.5%-2% of the NADA value, each year.. Tax deductible, if you itemize. I will say that it's a pretty good shock, to negotiate a great lease payment on an expensive car, but then have a big tax bill once per year, just like you owned it.
Shifty....I think those cheap paint places are used for exactly what we think. That is, someone's got a ratty looking car, and wants to move it. Make it pretty. If it lasts 1 year, or 1 month, doesn't matter. Again, this was a long time ago, but the car was worth $250. It had a $200 paint job. I sold it for $1,200.
From what you're saying, these places do little more than put food coloring in a couple gallons of water, and spray it.
IIRC, it took me two weeks to "prep" the car I had for paint. Cut out the rust. Bondo it. Sand it. Tape up the windows, emblems, door handles, head/tail lights, etc. It took "Scheib" about 30 minutes to do the entire car. Maybe another 20 minutes to "bake" the paint in some sort of heated room. Anything that wasn't taped or covered, got paint.
I was in and out in an hour.
They weren't real careful, that's for certain. I remember overspray was everywhere. It took me longer to get all the tape and coverings off than it took them to spray it.
ky....the couple didn't explain it to me the way you just did. Your explanation makes sense. They made it sound like there were hundreds of $$$ involved every year to get the tags renewed. I'm surprised they haven't shown up yet to retrieve their $500 deposit.
Back when I had to serve time in Small Claims Court I had a lady who claimed the guy she hired to paint her car did a poor job. She was right, it wasn't very good- thin spots alternated with paint runs. When I asked her how much she paid the guy she told me $75. I told her that if you pay someone 75 bucks for a repaint you should count yourself lucky if the guy doesn't use a brush.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, while that's true, not everyone knows what they should be paying for a reasonable paint job. Maybe she thought $75 was fairly normal. And, unless the guy said, "I'll give you a totally crappy paint job for $75," which I doubt he did, she should have expected at the very least to have the entire car covered and look good when she drove away.
If someone tells me they'll remove a tree in my front yard for $75 and they leave 1/3 of it there, it's still wrong even if I got it at a major discount.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Graphic Guy, look slike that's an extreme picky demographic of buyers you got on that Merc GM.
We get those too sometime. If I want to be a smart [non-permissible content removed] I'd say: Would you like the scratches to be removed on this 8 year old car? Yes, ok? It will coast you a bit more money, About $20k,instead of $8 but I'll get you a brand new version of this car :P
Today I had an email.... some guy low ballsus on a deeply discounted unit on the lot (that prevsious General Manager bought for too high). We discounted it about $4k below cost. Some guy emails me saying "I know you paid not more than $xxx for this unit, so I'll offer you $xxxx." which was still $2k under our rock bottom price.
I'm thinking,, wow you're so smart for knowing what are accounting books look like maybe you should come work for us. :mad:
I don't think so. A nice elderly couple leave you a $500 deposit (cash?).. probably wouldn't make the drive if it were a ploy. But, I'm an old softee on my private car sales. I tried to give money back once,( $20 after the sale) because the buyer talked about not having enough money for this or that. He wouldn't take it though.
If the price was "close enough" I would probably sell. Though we would miss out on the amusing "memorable encounters" you've provided us.
Dealer wants $200 a season for storage, thats $400 a year.
Even if that's CAD, it's still highway robbery. Can't you store them at home? If you have a garage, you'll be surprised how little space you need. You can hang them from the wall, stack them, etc.
Check out a self storage unit. A very small one might be less than $400.
Well, while that's true, not everyone knows what they should be paying for a reasonable paint job. Maybe she thought $75 was fairly normal. And, unless the guy said, "I'll give you a totally crappy paint job for $75," which I doubt he did, she should have expected at the very least to have the entire car covered and look good when she drove away
Well, there was a bit more to it than that. The plaintiff wanted her dark grey car painted white, and the painter testified that he told her that it probably wouldn't turn out all that well. Even so, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who shop on price alone-with no research or references-and then are unhappy with their "great deal". FWIW the lady was seeking $1500 in damages.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
boom....I've bought and sold plenty of cars. Not nearly as many as you guys, but enough that I can get a "feel" for the type of buyers on any given vehicle.
We've said it time and again in here. Some people wouldn't know a good deal if it kicked them on the behind.
In the last 24 hours, I've had 16 phone calls and 7 tire kickers on the GM. Apparently, the used car biz is alive and well, even though new car sales are a disaster.
Then again, for what I'm asking ($5K), I've probably hit something of a "sweet spot" in the used market.
I've had one lady call me 3 times. She keeps asking me the same questions over and over. In fairness, she sounds like she's of an age that I would consider her "more mature". But, she keeps asking me about the SABLE. She keeps asking me if it's a 4-door. I keep correcting her.
The couple that gave me the deposit, came back (wife is 67, husband is 70). I relayed kyfdx's explanation of the tax to them. But, they offered a different explanation about reneging this time around. They said they found a '95 GM for $4K. I asked how many miles it had.....111,000.
I just shook my head and handed them their money back. They kept inspecting the car with a fine tooth comb. Pointed out some very minor imperfections. The husband pointed to a little 1"x1" trim piece missing that goes over the screw of the inside pull handle.....maybe a $10 piece to replace. Finally, I told them I needed to do some work and left them standing in the driveway.
Even so, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who shop on price alone-with no research or references-and then are unhappy with their "great deal". FWIW the lady was seeking $1500 in damages.
Ohhh, so now she knew a good paintjob would cost her $1500 hence, she was seeking that much in damages???" And before that did she really think she found a sucker who'd do her $1500 paint job for $75?
Plus you can't paint a dark grey car white in just one coat. She should have known...
Do you know what the outcome was? Very curious to know.
Okay, I wasn't born yesterday and I didn't start selling cars yesterday. Exactly who are these people?
A lady tells me that she has a Boxster that she wants to trade in. She wants average book for it. Sounds reasonable. I start digging a little. The vehicle is a 2002 with 80k miles on it. Paintwork, bad Carfax and to top it all off.... it is in our competitor's garage and needs $14k worth of repairs.
I let her know that a reasonable expectation on trade would be around $10k if the vehicle didn't have any damage or repairs needed. However, because of the situation she is probably looking at a couple of grand from a wholesaler. She responds that our competitor is giving her $8k.
"Great!" I respond. "Get a check from them and come on over. This will make it very simple. We have a new Boxster that you want and you have the convenience of selling your trade to them. We can do business!"
Let's see if this pans out. I really wonder why people feel the need to lie to me. I love them for it though.
They kept inspecting the car with a fine tooth comb......Just a "gut feel", but I'd say they'll be back.
Typically people that do inspect cars with a fine tooth comb are doing so because they're set in their mind that they're buying that car.
I've seen it happend a lot, especially on used cars, even if they don't say they want it.
It is those that come by, won't even look in the trunk or under the hood, but just start throwing numbers at you, are ones who usually don't end up buying.
She wants to know what my best deal is and I told her to just come on down. No way I'm giving her numbers just to cut into the other dealership's profits. I need a commitment first.
Maybe they also had to pay a one time sales tax and they think this will have to be paid each year.
When you buy a car in my state (ks) you have to pay the sales tax and the property tax when you register the car. Each year after that just the prop tax of course. Like Shifty said the prop tax on this car should be minimal.
In those states where the dealer collects the sales tax, what happens when you buy or sell a car between individuals?
Not sure yet. She pressed for best pricing. I refused to give it to her without the trade and herself here. We're sending over a tow truck to get it and bring her over here to make a deal.
No sense in cutting into another dealer's profit. I need a commitment.
In KY, you pay sales tax when you register the car at the county clerk, if you buy from a private seller, even if it's out of state..
Property tax (personal property, not real estate) is only assessed on property that you own on January 1st, so you don't have to pay that until the first annual renewal (as you obviously didn't own it last January 1st, if you just bought it). We renew in birth month, usually.
I suspect I may be in GG's shoes here in the not too distant future. My mother-in-law's husband passed away last month and left a couple of vehicles behind that she wants to sell.
The first is a '49 Willys-Overland Jeepster - I've been keeping folks updated in the "Project Cars" thread.
The other vehicle is a '97 Grand Cherokee Limited. 5.2L V8. White with gray leather interior. Custom 10-disk CD changer. MIL doesn't really need it (she's got a '98 Eldorado that is hers), so she's thinking of selling it next month.
They live in Cheyenne, WY and so they don't drive very much.
I was talking with her earlier today and was asking her how many miles it had on it. I was figuring about 5K per year for a total of 50K miles.
Her answer - 28,000 miles! Still has the original tires, which in my opinion need to be replaced. I know all the maintenance has been done on it - I'm sure there is a file folder somewhere that has it all organized in chronological order.
Edmunds prices it (private party) at $4300. However, here in the mountain west, SUV's still bring decent money, so I was thinking that it could be listed at $6995.
Property tax (personal property, not real estate) is only assessed on property that you own on January 1st, so you don't have to pay that until the first annual renewal (as you obviously didn't own it last January 1st,
I thought is was pro-rated. So, if your birthday is in November, and you bought August 1st, you would pay 3 months worth of taxes. Or, you would have the option of carrying that amount over to your birthday month (November).
moo....you know this better than I do. But, I'd say you're going to have to cut bait on your Boxter lady.
jipster....it's been an eye opener dealing with elderly people who have all the time in the world to shop, which are the majority of people who've been interested in the GM. They're a "crusty" lot. And, they've got time on their hands to do little more than to BS with me, and pick apart my wares. They're a frugal bunch. Nothing wrong with that. "Close enough" did the deal. The nitpicking couple apparently have locked on GMs as the car they want. It's a matter of buying a "cheaper one", or buying a very good one.
I'm still on the fence on keeping it or not. If I can't get close to what I think is a fair price, "Dear 'ole Mom" has no qualms with letting me keep it (whether I need it or not).
As it stands, I can alternate between driving my Tahoe (which now ONLY costs less than $50 for a fillup), the Accord, and the GM. Once my son takes command of the Accord, I'll be down to two behemoths to feed.
michaell....put an ad in the local paper with the price. You'll find out soon enough whether you're in the ballpark or not. Sounds like a nice vehicle.
Comments
I remember back maybe 30 years ago on the Tonight Show. Carson was talking about how windy it was. "It was so windy I saw a guy chasing his Earl Sheib paint job."
Your advice is much appreciated.
For the cost of 4 RFT and rims, changing etc I am tempted to buy a used Suburu and use it in the winter. However, I am considering your advice very carefully.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
" Your lug nut postings brought back another memory. Many years ago my father taught me to loosen each lug nut slightly before taking any of them off. I never really knew why. Since you are a physics expert and I am an English prof, maybe you know why. I never questioned my father when it came to cars; I just followed his orders. If you questioned him, he figured that you doubted his advice. I learned early on that it was better to just follow his instructions. As my mother used to say, "Don't antagonize your father. Do what he says and list your complaints with me." She knew how to keep the peace at home. "
A truly touching story sir. Thank you. Mom always did know best as well as like me better, knew you would get the reference.
I have this fondness for American automobiles from the late '40's , early '50's . Never owned one but would like to someday have the privledge. Aircraft carrier ahoy!
:
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Wow, talk about memories. The interior (upholstery) of those cars had a unique smell to them. Any time I happen upon one and get inside, that smell makes all sorts of memories come flooding back.
I read once that the sense of smell is extremely powerful in triggering old memories and I believe it to be true. Remember how that elementary school cafeteria smelled?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
" read once that the sense of smell is extremely powerful in triggering old memories and I believe it to be true. Remember how that elementary school cafeteria smelled? "
Egad, do I ever. Friday, fish sticks with tater tots and salad. You ate, you ingested, you regretted . Respecting the insight of Adam Sandler.
I just checked on tirerack.com and you can get 4 - 16x7.5" Sport Edition wheels and 4 Blizzak LM-22 run flat winter tires for less than $1,200 including the tire pressure sensors installed - mounted and balanced.
The beauty of this set-up is you can install them in less than 45 minutes. When you are done with the car you can sell the wheels and, if still good, the tires. Your summer rubber lasts much longer that way too.
I would bet it is a wash, price wise.
And to second the motion, use winter tires on all 4 wheels. You have to stop and corner too, not just go.
The only time I couldn't drive my E46 in the winter was when I started plowing snow.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
And if it ends up in the ditch - no great loss!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am not sure I can get close to that price in Canada, but I do agree, for $1200 that would be a very sensible plan.
But, there are some other problems too, getting 4 tires home, storing them. Dealer wants $200 a season for storage, thats $400 a year. Dealer wants $2600 for 4 snows with alloy wheels. I would do your plan if I could ......but I might have to resort to plan B;
We are away all of February. Where I am we only get about 4 or 5 major snow falls in a year. Work is 20 minutes away and most days I can work from home if necessary. If I really have to go somewhere I'll use my wife's all wheel drive car.
If I could get 4 wheels and tires for $1200 and get them home I would do it, don't even have to think about it. I like the fact regular tires will last longer so the real cost is much less than $1200.
Why didn't I just get an Impala or Honda????
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Now I have no idea whether this applies to front wheel drivers, but for rear wheel vehicles, it is absolutely a wonderful application. really works well and much more control than rear only, steering much improved.
Richard
For $9,000 you could have my '03 Explorer XLT. :P
Richard
" '96 Merc Gran Marquis LS, 35K original 1 owner miles, loaded, needs nothing, $4,995"
That's it! Got the clean CARFAX report taped in the window with the 4 sale sign, along with the original MSRP sticker.
Surprisingly, my phone's been ringing off the hook. Have had a bunch of tire kickers. No sale, YET! But, I suspect with the amount of activity, it should be gone by the weekend.
That tells me I've got it priced right.
I've done nothing to the car except get a quick detail (no under hood steam clean, just washed, cheapo wax job, etc).
Aside from the one guy who wanted to write a personal check for it, and then take the car before the check clears, here are some of the more memorable encounters with people I've had....
"There's a paint chip on the trunk lid (actually, you have to look real close to see it, courtesy of the errant golf ball...about the size of a dime, and it's a dimple, not a chip). It'll cost me $500 to get that fixed".
GG-"It's a 12 year old car. I wouldn't even bother getting it fixed".
"The power mirrors don't work".
GG-"Sir, that's because you're trying to adjust the mirrors with the power seat adjustment".
"It's dirty under the hood. The engine must need work".
GG-(truth told, for a 12 year old car, under the hood it's pretty clean). "M'am, that's because it's a 12 year old car. If you want, I'll have the engine bay steamed, it will be pretty under there. I wouldn't have any hesitation taking this car to CA and back with no issues."
"There are creases in the leather driver's seat".
GG-"It's a 12 year old car. The leather isn't split."
"The seats are too hard, too soft".
GG-(putting my sales hat on). "It's got power lumbar support. Adjust it to your liking".
"It feels big".
GG-"That's because it is big".
"What's the warranty?"
GG-"No warranty. Sold as is, where is. It's a 12 year old car."
"I can buy a brand new one for $18,000."
GG-"This one isn't brand new. And, it doesn't cost $18,000."
I could go on and on. Mostly older people looking at it....retirees. Got a call from a dealership about it. But, they were thinking I'm distressed. They were looking to buy it for cheap.
KYFDX....phone number listed is clearly a "Cincy" area code, but I'd say 1/2 the callers have been from KY. One older couple who came up from KY to look at it actually made an offer that I considered "close enough". They gave me $500 to hold the car for them so they could make arrangements to get the car home. Then, they called, reneged on the deal when they found out that there's some sort of "tax" on the tags that is a percentage of the value of the car, instead of a flat tag fee (like in OH). I don't know what that figure is, but I can't imagine it's more than a hundred or two.
No harm, no foul. I told them they could come to get their $500 back today. Negotiating ploy?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
When I taught advanced psychology, I gave my students smell, taste, and hearing tests while they were blindfolded. They consistently did better on the smell tests. Most of the time, the smells were related to childhood memories.
Richard
Richard
Even though I have a 4x4 pickup for commuting in the snow, for this money, it was a no-brainer.
Peeter
Quality paint and prep materials alone for a nice paint job would cost more than an entire Maaco paint job. What does that tell you?
We pay property tax on cars... Not sure how this could be a surprise, if they've ever owned a car in Kentucky.. It is charged at the time you renew your registration, on any car that you owned on January 1st of that year. So, they don't have to pay it at the time of registration.. just the sales tax at that time.
I think my local tax works out to about 1.5%-2% of the NADA value, each year.. Tax deductible, if you itemize. I will say that it's a pretty good shock, to negotiate a great lease payment on an expensive car, but then have a big tax bill once per year, just like you owned it.
On a twelve-year-old Mercury? Probably $70/yr.
regards,
kyfdx
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From what you're saying, these places do little more than put food coloring in a couple gallons of water, and spray it.
IIRC, it took me two weeks to "prep" the car I had for paint. Cut out the rust. Bondo it. Sand it. Tape up the windows, emblems, door handles, head/tail lights, etc. It took "Scheib" about 30 minutes to do the entire car. Maybe another 20 minutes to "bake" the paint in some sort of heated room. Anything that wasn't taped or covered, got paint.
I was in and out in an hour.
They weren't real careful, that's for certain. I remember overspray was everywhere. It took me longer to get all the tape and coverings off than it took them to spray it.
ky....the couple didn't explain it to me the way you just did. Your explanation makes sense. They made it sound like there were hundreds of $$$ involved every year to get the tags renewed. I'm surprised they haven't shown up yet to retrieve their $500 deposit.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
If someone tells me they'll remove a tree in my front yard for $75 and they leave 1/3 of it there, it's still wrong even if I got it at a major discount.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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We get those too sometime. If I want to be a smart [non-permissible content removed] I'd say: Would you like the scratches to be removed on this 8 year old car? Yes, ok? It will coast you a bit more money, About $20k,instead of $8 but I'll get you a brand new version of this car :P
Today I had an email.... some guy low ballsus on a deeply discounted unit on the lot (that prevsious General Manager bought for too high). We discounted it about $4k below cost. Some guy emails me saying "I know you paid not more than $xxx for this unit, so I'll offer you $xxxx." which was still $2k under our rock bottom price.
I'm thinking,, wow you're so smart for knowing what are accounting books look like maybe you should come work for us. :mad:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I don't think so. A nice elderly couple leave you a $500 deposit (cash?).. probably wouldn't make the drive if it were a ploy. But, I'm an old softee on my private car sales. I tried to give money back once,( $20 after the sale) because the buyer talked about not having enough money for this or that. He wouldn't take it though.
If the price was "close enough" I would probably sell. Though we would miss out on the amusing "memorable encounters" you've provided us.
Even if that's CAD, it's still highway robbery. Can't you store them at home? If you have a garage, you'll be surprised how little space you need. You can hang them from the wall, stack them, etc.
Check out a self storage unit. A very small one might be less than $400.
Well, there was a bit more to it than that. The plaintiff wanted her dark grey car painted white, and the painter testified that he told her that it probably wouldn't turn out all that well. Even so, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who shop on price alone-with no research or references-and then are unhappy with their "great deal". FWIW the lady was seeking $1500 in damages.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We've said it time and again in here. Some people wouldn't know a good deal if it kicked them on the behind.
In the last 24 hours, I've had 16 phone calls and 7 tire kickers on the GM. Apparently, the used car biz is alive and well, even though new car sales are a disaster.
Then again, for what I'm asking ($5K), I've probably hit something of a "sweet spot" in the used market.
I've had one lady call me 3 times. She keeps asking me the same questions over and over. In fairness, she sounds like she's of an age that I would consider her "more mature". But, she keeps asking me about the SABLE. She keeps asking me if it's a 4-door. I keep correcting her.
The couple that gave me the deposit, came back (wife is 67, husband is 70). I relayed kyfdx's explanation of the tax to them. But, they offered a different explanation about reneging this time around. They said they found a '95 GM for $4K. I asked how many miles it had.....111,000.
I just shook my head and handed them their money back. They kept inspecting the car with a fine tooth comb. Pointed out some very minor imperfections. The husband pointed to a little 1"x1" trim piece missing that goes over the screw of the inside pull handle.....maybe a $10 piece to replace. Finally, I told them I needed to do some work and left them standing in the driveway.
Just a "gut feel", but I'd say they'll be back.
Ohhh, so now she knew a good paintjob would cost her $1500 hence, she was seeking that much in damages???" And before that did she really think she found a sucker who'd do her $1500 paint job for $75?
Plus you can't paint a dark grey car white in just one coat. She should have known...
Do you know what the outcome was? Very curious to know.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
A lady tells me that she has a Boxster that she wants to trade in. She wants average book for it. Sounds reasonable. I start digging a little. The vehicle is a 2002 with 80k miles on it. Paintwork, bad Carfax and to top it all off.... it is in our competitor's garage and needs $14k worth of repairs.
I let her know that a reasonable expectation on trade would be around $10k if the vehicle didn't have any damage or repairs needed. However, because of the situation she is probably looking at a couple of grand from a wholesaler. She responds that our competitor is giving her $8k.
"Great!" I respond. "Get a check from them and come on over. This will make it very simple. We have a new Boxster that you want and you have the convenience of selling your trade to them. We can do business!"
Let's see if this pans out. I really wonder why people feel the need to lie to me. I love them for it though.
Typically people that do inspect cars with a fine tooth comb are doing so because they're set in their mind that they're buying that car.
I've seen it happend a lot, especially on used cars, even if they don't say they want it.
It is those that come by, won't even look in the trunk or under the hood, but just start throwing numbers at you, are ones who usually don't end up buying.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
She's going to go back to where her car is and tell them you offered her $10k.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
She wants to know what my best deal is and I told her to just come on down. No way I'm giving her numbers just to cut into the other dealership's profits. I need a commitment first.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I ruled for the defendant. The plaintiff didn't file an appeal.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Funny. I was just talking about used Boxsters in another thread.
Do tell, what are the repairs? Did this suffer one of the engine failures I've read about?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
When you buy a car in my state (ks) you have to pay the sales tax and the property tax when you register the car. Each year after that just the prop tax of course. Like Shifty said the prop tax on this car should be minimal.
In those states where the dealer collects the sales tax, what happens when you buy or sell a car between individuals?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
No sense in cutting into another dealer's profit. I need a commitment.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Property tax (personal property, not real estate) is only assessed on property that you own on January 1st, so you don't have to pay that until the first annual renewal (as you obviously didn't own it last January 1st, if you just bought it). We renew in birth month, usually.
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The first is a '49 Willys-Overland Jeepster - I've been keeping folks updated in the "Project Cars" thread.
The other vehicle is a '97 Grand Cherokee Limited. 5.2L V8. White with gray leather interior. Custom 10-disk CD changer. MIL doesn't really need it (she's got a '98 Eldorado that is hers), so she's thinking of selling it next month.
They live in Cheyenne, WY and so they don't drive very much.
I was talking with her earlier today and was asking her how many miles it had on it. I was figuring about 5K per year for a total of 50K miles.
Her answer - 28,000 miles! Still has the original tires, which in my opinion need to be replaced. I know all the maintenance has been done on it - I'm sure there is a file folder somewhere that has it all organized in chronological order.
Edmunds prices it (private party) at $4300. However, here in the mountain west, SUV's still bring decent money, so I was thinking that it could be listed at $6995.
Thoughts?
I thought is was pro-rated. So, if your birthday is in November, and you bought August 1st, you would pay 3 months worth of taxes. Or, you would have the option of carrying that amount over to your birthday month (November).
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
jipster....it's been an eye opener dealing with elderly people who have all the time in the world to shop, which are the majority of people who've been interested in the GM. They're a "crusty" lot. And, they've got time on their hands to do little more than to BS with me, and pick apart my wares. They're a frugal bunch. Nothing wrong with that. "Close enough" did the deal. The nitpicking couple apparently have locked on GMs as the car they want. It's a matter of buying a "cheaper one", or buying a very good one.
I'm still on the fence on keeping it or not. If I can't get close to what I think is a fair price, "Dear 'ole Mom" has no qualms with letting me keep it (whether I need it or not).
As it stands, I can alternate between driving my Tahoe (which now ONLY costs less than $50 for a fillup), the Accord, and the GM. Once my son takes command of the Accord, I'll be down to two behemoths to feed.
michaell....put an ad in the local paper with the price. You'll find out soon enough whether you're in the ballpark or not. Sounds like a nice vehicle.
PP taxes are all or nothing... If you own it on January 1st, you pay for the whole year.
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She's dreaming, why can't I? :P
"We can only give her $2K for it."
Next time I'm shopping for a used Boxster, I'll offer them double what they have in it! I'll be riding in style for $4K!!
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How to lock your car safely
While traveling my son stopped at a roadside park. He came out to his car less
than 4-5 minutes later and found someone had gotten into his car, and stolen his
cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator briefcase.....you name it .. called
the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into- the police
told him that there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security
code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device..
They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going
inside of the store, restaurant, or bathroom and have a few minutes to steal and run.
The police officer said... be sure to manually lock your car door by hitting the
lock button inside the car, that way if there is someone sitting in a parking lot
watching for their next victim it will not be you. When you hit the lock button
on your car upon exiting...it does not send the security code, but if you walk
away and use the door lock on your key chain- it sends the code through the
airwaves where it can be stolen, something totally new to us.
Be aware of this and please pass this note on..look how many times we all lock
our doors with our keys...just to be sure we remembered to lock them....and bingo
someone have our code...and whatever was in the car...can be gone.
Got an email and I don't know if it is true?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/lockcode.asp